October 6 2015
Gun threat at Christchurch MSD Service Delivery unacceptable
The Public Service Association (PSA) is alarmed at the incident at a Christchurch MSD Service Delivery office this
morning, where a shotgun was brandished at security guards by an MSD client.
The PSA represents over 3500 MSD Service Delivery staff across the country.
Richard Wagstaff, PSA national secretary, said "This sort of threat is completely unacceptable and we are grateful that
nobody was hurt."
"Public servants who are doing their job should never be put at risk from the clients they work to serve, and nor should
other clients and members of the community.
"Nobody needing to access these important public services should be made to feel fearful of the actions of a minority
when they go to MSD’s premises.
"The value of more security guards onsite, a measure introduced following the tragic shooting in Ashburton, has been
shown today.
"The PSA is working with the Ministry of Social Development to further improve security for frontline Service Delivery
staff, while ensuring public access to services is maintained.
"Just over one year on from the Ashburton tragedy, more is yet to be done to ensure that threats against public servants
becomes a thing of the past," said Richard Wagstaff.
ENDS